Gemotions

He leaned against the brick wall, arms crossed, the cold seeping into his leather jacket. The festival was supposed to be a celebration, a chance to connect with his audience. Instead, a stranger stood on the makeshift stage, crooning *his* lyrics, *his* melodies. The crowd swayed, eyes closed, seemingly enchanted. He watched, a knot forming in his stomach.

Her voice, surprisingly good, actually, had a confidence he’d never possessed. It was a flawless imitation, and yet, hollow. He could almost pinpoint the moment she'd started to get noticed, when he had noticed her. Before they were competitors. Before he knew her name. He dug his nails into his palms.

He could feel the blood pounding in his ears, a rhythm out of sync with the music. He needed to get away, to disappear. He slipped back into the shadows, the applause for her ringing in his ears, and the ache in his chest grew with every cheer. He walked away from the festival and the feeling of inadequacy that hung over him.